A local family established a new fund in memory of their twins who passed away in 2008. Parents Katie and Jeff Kieselbach, along with their four sons, Chase (10th grade), Andrew (9th grade), Grant (9th grade), and Lane (7th grade), joined the Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) to announce the new fund on March 12, 2026.

Since losing their twins, Emma and Alexander, a few hours after they were born, Katie and Jeff have celebrated their birthday each year with special family projects, including NICU care packages, book drives, and food pantry donations. This year, the twins would have turned 18. The family decided to give the gift of education to other students.

“Our goal is to maintain this fund to provide programs and experiences for children that otherwise wouldn't be possible if not for Emma and Alex,” said Katie. “Our gift to Emma and Alex, is to keep their memory alive and while they were so small, and their time with us so brief, their impact will be felt for years to come.”

The Kieselbach Family Fund will support programs that benefit students in Olentangy’s Specialized Learning Centers (SLCs), including those with autism, learning disabilities, and students involved in the Special Olympics.

Learn more about the story and donate to the fund here. Contact Mary Lorenz to learn how you can establish a fund with OEF and make a difference for future generations of Olentangy students.